Reversible Coat

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I’m finally done with my first, and maybe last reversible coat.  I say, “maybe last” since the first coat came out so well! If you remember my Unintentional Wardrobe post, I have two more fabrics that I originally intended for a travel coat. The fabrics for this version were in my stash and I decided to use them for a first draft. I love how easy-going this pattern is. The out-of-print  Butterick 6269 goes together well and produces a simple roomy coat that I will be able to use as a blanket on the plane, and can easily fit over other layers.

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I still have some work to do on the coat. First, the coat is still not waterproof except for the natural water resistance that wool provides. I just don’t love the crunchy or slippery feel of raincoat fabric. The plaid looks like a raincoat fabric, but is actually a silk twill. A spray waterproofer would work well in this instance since they don’t seem to change the hand of the fabric. Will I use the reverse side of the coat with the plaid out?  I think I would if the plaid side is water-resistant.

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Second, a hidden pocket for documents would be a nice addition for travel, so I might add one into the side seam. This is easy and will only take an hour or so to complete, therefore I think that it’s a must do.

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Third, I may hem the coat shorter. I love a long calf-length coat, but I’m worried about the weight while walking  around Rome and Paris. A knee-length coat would suffice, but I want to get a few more pieces of my travel wardrobe together before I decide on the exact proportion.

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I’ll let you know what changes I pursue over the next few months! Next week is a summer top!

14 thoughts on “Reversible Coat”

  1. I love that squiggley wool fabric and think it’s a great idea as an alternative to goretex, which is not exactly known for it’s drape. And makes a lot of noise too. I hope you don’t feel you have to shorten it 🙂

    • I won’t consider the length for a few months, and I agree that it looks great long. I’m just thinking about the weight of carrying it as the day warms up.

  2. I’m not usually a plaid person (over exposure to flannel shirts as a child?) , but somehow the combination with the squiggle wool makes all the difference. As always your color sense is spot on. Its sultry here so the idea of making a coat is rather revolting at the moment (I’m focused on linen pants, linen knit shirts, ice tea) but fall will come…..

    Ceci

  4. What a gorgeous coat! Or should I say: “What gorgeous coats!” I see there are many types of waterproofing at Mountain Equipment Co-op in Canada; some that you can wash in, which would be useful if you were going to pre-shrink fabric.
    I’m planning to make a double-sided coat, too, though I don’t have your pattern. Any special tips?
    I hope you’ll show us how you’ve configured the retro-fit pockets.
    Don’t be too hasty about cutting your coat to a shorter length. It can get mighty cold in Paris and Rome and your lower legs could be very happy to have some warmth.
    Love your Mizono shirt – the Gelli printing sent me in a whole new direction. What fun.
    Thanks for all the inspiration.

    • Thanks for the waterproofing tips. I’ll do a little research on the best product. I don’t have special tips, but there is one problem that I forgot to mention. The two hems are exactly the same but the inside fabric always sticks out a bit on the bottom. I’m going to tack them together and see if that solves it. I’ll put in the pockets first. Sounds like I will have a follow up post on this one.

  5. I can’t wait to see it and touch the fabric in person. I love the fabric combo😊

  8. Good combination of inner and outer fabric and, as you say, plaid says rain? If you should spray inner w repellent, it would increase warmth, I guess…decisions, decisions! Julie told you I got the brace….hope you don’t get pic….not flattering!!!Love to both, Mom

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